Who We Help

OUR JOHNSON COUNTY NEIGHBORS -THAT IS WHO WE HELP

We help between 10,000 and 12,000 low income Johnson County Neighbors each year during the winter holiday season.

The neighbors we help have a family income below 150% of the poverty line and reside in Johnson County, Kansas.

Most of those we help have a member of the family who works but simply does not earn enough to rise above 150% of the poverty level. 1 in 9 Johnson County jobs pay less than $10.00 per hour. 1/3 of all Johnson County jobs pay less than $15.00 per hour. It takes more than $15.00 per hour for a family of 4 to pull themselves above 150% of the poverty level.

The majority of the neighbors we help have a high school diploma and some college education.

DEMOGRAPHICS OF OUR CLIENTS

AGE:

18 years old or younger 51%

Age 65 and over 15%

ETHNICITY

49% White/Caucasian

33% Hispanic/Latino

13% Black/African American

(figures are approximate and vary from year to year)

CLIENT REFERRALS AND APPOINTMENTS

Almost all clients, with just a few exceptions, are referred to us by the Kansas Division of Child and Family Services or another charitable organization.

All clients must submit an application.

All clients are pre-qualified.

All clients shop by appointment. We are very sorry but the Holiday Shop cannot function unless all clients have applied and received an appointment.

We have a three part mission to: provide warmth and support, during the winter holiday season, to low-income Johnson County families; increase awareness and understanding of poverty in Johnson County; and give neighbors an outlet to help neighbors. Read More

We help our Johnson County neighbors who live below 150% of the poverty level. The neighbors living in poverty are moms, children, the clerk at the store, and others we interact with every day. Learn More

Volunteers are vital to the fulfillment of our mission. Over 150 volunteers serve year-round; over 3,000 volunteer slots are available seasonally. Learn More

We are a grass roots agency that gives generous souls the opportunity to give to others. JCCB provides holiday assistance each year to 10,000-12,000 low-income residents of Johnson County, Kansas. Yes - There is poverty in Johnson County, Kansas.

Poverty

If poverty were a city, it would be the fifth largest city in Johnson County.

The Holiday Shop and What We Give Our Neighbors

The Holiday Shop

The Holiday Shop. November 30-December 8, 2018. Set up days to be announced. To volunteer click the word volunteer.

GROCERIES

Every family visiting the Shop receives enough food for the entire family to have fully balanced nutritional meals for three days. Please consider running a food drive to help our neighbors.

COATS

Every client who needs a warm winter coat receives a coat. Imagine not having a winter coat for your child on a cold winter day.

TOYS

A toy for all children. We try to obtain educational toys that are manipulative and promote literacy. Children without educational toys are at a disadvantage when starting school.

PERSONAL CARE

Diapers. Toothbrushes. Tooth Paste. Hygiene products. Soap and shampoo. Toilet paper and paper towels. Imagine not being able to stay clean, not having toilet paper and/or not having clean diapers.

A GIFT FOR ALL

We distribute gifts for children, teenagers and adults. Often it is the only holiday gift a child receives. Many mom’s cry when they find out their child will receive a gift this year.

HATS, GLOVES AND SCARVES

One of each for every child of each family we help. Many of these items are knitted by volunteers. A true neighbor helping neighbor experience.

CHILDREN’S CLOTHING

We give a new outfit to our client’s children. Many of these children will not receive any other new clothing this year. All clothing is new.

BOOKS

We have books for all members of all of our families. Each family gets to select books that interest them. Childrens’ books are important to cognitive development.

NURSING HOMES

Nursing home residents on medicaid, who are not receiving assistance from their own families, receive items such as lap blankets, sweaters, slipper socks, walker bags and more.

Testimonial

“I want to express my gratitude for what you have done for me through the Christmas Bureau. I have no close family left. That’s why I am so grateful for your Christmas Bureau. Last year you helped me find a light jacket that fit me and I wear it around the house ALL the time. That way I can keep the heat lower. This year I got another jacket that fit, and I am so happy about that. I sincerely appreciate your volunteers that helped me find the foods that I wanted and could eat. Your volunteers were so helpful, cheerful and kind. I know some people don’t recognize that there is poverty in Johnson County. There, however, are people like me. You are SO important to SO many people!! Thank you, one and all, for your kindness and your caring.”